Babysitting rates for tonight

[Anonymous]

I have a sitter coming tonight. My kid will be awake for only 2 hours of the time she's there (he's 2, and easy at bedtime). How much should I pay her (per hour)? Is it okay to leave her cash to order herself dinner?

[Anonymous]

OP here. Is $10/hr reasonable? Too low/high?

[Anonymous]

Ask her what her rates are, and yes if your sitter is over the age of 18, $10/hour is too low. Sitting rates in the DC area tend to be around $13-$16/hour. Cash for dinner would be thoughtful and appreciated, but not necessary.

[Anonymous]

Oh wow, I didn't realize I was going too low. Thank you! Gosh, when I babysat we made $2-$5/hr. Times have changed

[Anonymous]

OP I pay $13/hr when kids are awake for only an hour or less of the evening. That's for an adult. For a teenager I'd probably pay $10, I just don't have any teenagers in the rotation at the moment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP I pay $13/hr when kids are awake for only an hour or less of the evening. That's for an adult. For a teenager I'd probably pay $10, I just don't have any teenagers in the rotation at the moment.

This is sound advice.

[Anonymous]

Is the sitter a HS student, nanny, what?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP I pay $13/hr when kids are awake for only an hour or less of the evening. That's for an adult. For a teenager I'd probably pay $10, I just don't have any teenagers in the rotation at the moment.

This is sound advice.

No it isn't. It sounds like OP has already hired a sitter. She needs to ask her what she charges, and if she is an adult, its going to be $13/hour or more, depending on the number of hours booked.

[Anonymous]

Do you all also propose to tell your plumber/gardener/electrician what you'll pay them, or do you ask the, their freakin rates?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you all also propose to tell your plumber/gardener/electrician what you'll pay them, or do you ask the, their freakin rates?

Exactly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a sitter coming tonight. My kid will be awake for only 2 hours of the time she's there (he's 2, and easy at bedtime). How much should I pay her (per hour)? Is it okay to leave her cash to order herself dinner?

Better call or text her and ask. I would not leave my child with anyone who was unable to quote their hourly rates based on the job they agreed to do.

[Anonymous]

I would call in advance but I would not pay any price she named just because you feel obligated. I also would not pay a repair person more then I felt they were worth just because they quoted a certain price. You now have an idea of what is reasonable. If she is within that range then no problem. You are both equally responsible for making sure you agree on a price. So she should have brought it up if you forgot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is the sitter a HS student, nanny, what?

Why does it matter? The job doesn't change depending on who does it. Would you tip your waitress more if she told you she had a college degree or said she was 40 as opposed to a 20 year old?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is the sitter a HS student, nanny, what?

Why does it matter? The job doesn't change depending on who does it. Would you tip your waitress more if she told you she had a college degree or said she was 40 as opposed to a 20 year old?

Coupon troll again.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous



Do you all also propose to tell your plumber/gardener/electrician what you'll pay them, or do you ask the, their freakin rates?

Ha! That's funny. Because a plumber and an electrician (landscaper less so, but clearly you are foolish in your post) have very specialized skills that can command certain rates.

Babysitters? No specialized skills. Parents set the rates. You are welcome to take it or leave it.